There's been a lot of talk lately about Nikola Jokic and whether he belongs in the conversation with basketball's all-time greats. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson isn't so sure—and he's got some strong opinions on why we might be jumping the gun.

Johnson, who played against legends like Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins, and Bernard King during the 1980s, believes that while Jokic is undeniably talented, his defensive limitations are a major sticking point. "We anointed Nikola Jokic too quickly," Johnson argues. "He doesn't sit at the table with the all-time greats yet."

The debate centers around Jokic's place among the top five centers in NBA history. Johnson, who knows a thing or two about going head-to-head with elite competition, points out that being a complete player—especially on defense—is what separates the good from the truly great. He recalls a memorable game against Larry Bird, where after getting beaten on a play, Bird told him, "All you can do is score." That lesson stuck: if you can't defend, you can't be compared to the legends.

Jokic, of course, is no ordinary player. He's a unique blend of old-school post play and modern point-guard vision, with a scoring touch that reminds many of Bill Walton at his best. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he seems to make the right play every time down the floor. But for Johnson, that's not enough to put him on the same level as the all-time great centers—not yet, anyway.

Whether you agree or disagree, one thing's for sure: the conversation around Jokic's legacy is only getting started. And for fans who love the game—and the gear that comes with it—debates like this are what make basketball so much fun.